VEX IQ System Robotics

Study Notes

The VEX IQ Robotics System stands out from other snap-together robotics systems due to its advanced brain, sensors, programming, controller, and building system.

The Robot Brain is the foundation of the VEX IQ Electronics system.
It has onboard programming that can be selected using its LED screen and four input buttons.
It can be custom programmed using the VEXcode software suite.
It has four slots to store four different custom programs.

The VEX IQ Controller is a hand-held device with a video game controller feel.
It has four front finger buttons, four topside thumb buttons, and two variable control joysticks.
It has a mini-USB port for recharging its onboard Lithium-Ion battery.
It can use either version of the Smart Radios for wireless communication with the Brain and has a Tether port for a wired connection.

The VEX IQ Starter kit comes with four Smart Motors.
These motors have internal sensors to measure shaft rotation, rotational speed, and current draw.

The BBC micro:bit uses its LEDs to sense light levels and can be programmed as a light sensor.
It has an inbuilt compass that can detect the direction it is facing.
It has two programmable buttons.

MakeCode is a coding website that uses Block Coding to write programs for the Micro:Bit.
Programs can be downloaded to the Micro:Bit using a USB cord.
The Simulator allows users to see how their code will work on a real-life Micro:Bit.

Germs: microorganisms that can make a person sick.
Infection: when germs enter the body, multiply, and make a person sick.
Infectious disease: an illness caused by germs that harm a person's health.
Contagious: able to be passed from one organism to another.
Communicable disease: an infectious disease that can spread from one organism to another.
Scientist: a person who asks questions, makes observations, and investigates ideas to acquire knowledge and/or solve problems.
Experiment: a scientific test in which a series of actions are performed to learn about the world.
Scientific inquiry process: a process scientists use to explore observations and answer questions.

The VEX IQ System has a range of quality and varied sensors.
Sensors include convenient mounting holes for easy integration into robot design.
Sensors include the Gyro Sensor, Bumper Switch, and Touch LED Sensor.
The Gyro Sensor measures robot orientation and rate of change.
The Bumper Switch is a digital switch with a spring-loaded bumper that can be used for various applications.
The Touch LED Sensor can produce 14 different colors and has a touch sensor for user input.